Tube beading tool



Sept. 9, 11947. 1... A. SMITH TUBE BEADING TOOL Filed'Aug. l, 1945 INVENTOR. LLOYD A. SMITH.

ATTORNEY Patented Sept. 9,194?

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE (Granted under the act of March 3, 1883, as amended April 30, 1928; 370 0., G. 757) 9 Claims.

This invention relates toinew and useful improvements in tools or devices forforming beads in tubing, and more particularly to tools or devices of the type operable toform a raisedcircumferential bead in the exterior surface of tubing.

One of the difficulties encountered in existing typesof tools or devices for forming beadsin tubing is that such tools or'devices generallyare relatively cumbersome andrequirethe use oftwo or more persons to efiectively perform a beading operation upon a tube. Also the. cumbersome and rather bulky nature of existing beading tools, or devices in most cases precludes the performance of a beading operation upon tubing alreadyinstalled in place in apparatusor equipment with the result thatbefore such tubing can be properly beaded it-is necessary that it be first removed from the apparatus or equipment in which installed. Furthermore existing beading tools .and devices for the most part are characterized by operating limitations which preclude the formation of beadsin certain tube shapes .suchas for example, gooseneckbends, elbows and the like.

With this in mind, the principalobjectof the present invention isto-providea novel tool or device for forming beads in tubingwhich maybe substantially universally employed by a single person toefi'ectively-form beadsin tubing of different sizes and without limitation as to the particular length, shape or configuration of the tube.

Another object of the invention is to, provide a novel tool or device of the character described for forming beads in tubing which device is of relatively simple, compact construction thereby making it possible to-be used effectively to bead tubing installed or locatedin small, closely confined areas.

-A further object of theinvention is to provide a novel tool or device of the character setforth for forming beads in tubing which may be employed to effectively form beads in tubing that is already installed in apparatus and equipment without necessitating removal of such tubin therefrom.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a novel tool or device having the features and characteristicsset forth which is comparatively inexpensive to manufacture, and highly efficient in operation and use.

These and other objects of the invention and the various features and details of the construction and operation thereof are hereinafter fully set forth with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is an elevati'onal View of the beading tool or device embodying the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken online 2-'2, Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a sectional View taken on,line,.3-.3, Fig. 2; and

ter of the tube receiving so ticular pair of diemembers.

Fig. i is an exploded view inperspective showing a beaded tube and the die members of the present tool employed in the formation of the bead therein.

Referring now .to the drawing, a tool or device made according to the present invention which is operable to form .a circumferentially raised bead in tubingcomp'rises a tubular body member I having circumferentiallyabout the external surfacethereof a raised portion or band 2 the surface of which is knurled or otherwise roughened as indicated at 3 to provide a hand grip portion forgholding the tool. Formed internallyof the tubularbody I, circumferentiall of the'inner surface thereof, is aniannularfiange d which is predeterminedly positioned intermediate of and with respect to the. opposite ends of the body .1.

Referring now particularly to Fig. 2 of the drawing, there is .removably positioned within one end of the body member lfa pair. of complementary semi-circulardie members 5 whichcooperate with one anotherto provide therewithin atubular socket to reccivetheend portion ofa tube-16 to be beaded. The socket formed bythe complementary die members iextends coaxially of the body member .I .andatthe inner ends of said die members '5 there are provided inwardly extendingflanges vlagainst which the inner end of the tube 35 isadapted to. set or abut when inserted in the socket in the mannershown. The die members 5 are provided at theirv outer ends with radial flange portions 8 which overlie the end face of the body member I and the axial length ofisaiddie members is such-that; th inner end faces, thereof seat against or abut the internal annular:flange.;4,of the body memberl. Each, of the die memberspiis provided adjacentits inner endwith a groove-f arcuate cross-section shapeformed circumferentially'ln the inner surface thereof and these grooves 9. ar cooperatively arranged with respect toreach. other toprovide a continuous, circumferential channel internally of thedie members 5 when positioned in cornplementary relation within the end of the body member 1.

As stated, the die members 5 are removably positioned within theen d of the bodymember l,

and hencemay be readily and easily withdrawn and replaced or interchanged with other similar die members 5 constructedand arranged-to providetube receiving sockets, of different diameters for receiving tubing of different diameters. Furthermore, as between different sets of complementary die'members .5 the cross-sectional'dimensions of the grooves- 8in the inner surfaces thereof 1 may vary in: accordance with the diamecket formed by a par- Rotatably mounted-within the other end ofthe tubular body member and in oppositely abutting relation with respect to the internal flange 4 thereof is an end portion of an actuating member l that is coaxially disposed with respect to the body member and the tube receiving socket formed by the complementary die members 5. The other or outer end of the actuating member it) extends axially outward beyond the end face of the body member I and has secured therein, adjacent its outer end a cross pin H which serves as a handle portion adapted to be grasped to effect rotation of the actuating member I0 with respect to the body member and a tube within the socket formed by the die members 5.

The inner end of the actuating member ID is provided with a circumferential surface portion l2 which engages the inner Wall surface of the body member The actuating member H! is provided with a portion l3 of reduced diameter to provide clearance between that surface portion of the actuating member H3 and the adjacent internal wall surface of the body I for the reception of a plurality of roller bearings |4 arranged circumferentially of the member l0 as shown. The actuating member l0 has a shoulder l5 which is disposed coplanar with the adjacent end face of the body member I. The actuating member ID is retained rotationally within the body member l, by means of an annular ring or member [6 which is secured to the end face of the body member and extends radially inward so as to outwardly overlie the surface or shoulder l5 of the actuating member Hi. The annular ring or member I6 is secured to the end face of the body for example, by screws or the like I1, and embraces the adjacent circumferential surface portion of the actuating member ID.

Extending lengthwise inwardly from the inner end face of the actuating member ID is a recess l8 which has inserted therein one end portion of a spindle H. The inserted end of the spindle I9 is pivotally mounted upon a cross-pin 2|] mounted cross-wise adjacent the inner end of the recess l8 to provide for pivotal movement of the spindle l9 about an axis normal to the rotational axis of the actuating member ID, and the other or free end of the spindle I9 extend endwise beyond the recess l8 and into the tube receiving socket formed by the complementary semicircular die members 5. Mounted upon the outer or free end of the spindle IQ for rotation coaxially thereof is a beading tool element 2| having circumferentially thereof a raised bead forming portion 22 of arcuate cross-section shape. The beading tool 2| may be retained upon the free end of the spindle l9 by means of a headed screw, bolt or the like 23. It will be observed by reference to Fig. 2 of the drawing that the length of the spindle l9 and the position of the beading tool element 2| thereon are such that the raised circumferential portion 22 of the latter is in registry with the continuous channel formed circumferentially in the internal surfaces of the complementary die members 5 by the grooves 9 therein.

In the enlarged bearing surface portion l2 at 4 thereon outwardly against the internal wall surface of a tube 6 inserted in the socket of the complementary die members 5 in the relation hereinbefore described and shown in the drawmg.

a The threaded member 24 preferably is of the headless type and may be provided inwardly of its outer end face with a hexagonal or other shape axial socket for the reception of a suitable wrench or device to rotate the member 24 in the desired direction to adjust the position thereof radially of the actuating member Hi and thereby adjust the position of the beading tool 2| with respect to the inner surface of a tube 6. For the insertion of such a wrench or tool into the socket of the member 24 there are provided through the body member a plurality of openings 25 located at suitably spaced intervals circumferentially of the body member In operation and use of the beading tool of the present invention, .a selected pair of die members 5, providing a tube receiving socket of desired diameter, are inserted endwise into the appropriate end of the tool body member until the inner end faces of said die member 5 seat against or abut the internal flange l of the body member The end portion of a tube 6 to be headed is then inserted endwise into the socket formed by the selected die members 5 so that the inner end edge of the said tube 6 is seated against or abuts against the flanges I provided at the inner end of said die members 5. The actuating member 10 is then rotated, if necessary, so as to align adjustable member 25 thereof with one of the openings 25 in the body member l. A suitable wrench or tool is then inserted through the opening 25 and into the end socket of the member 24 to rotate the latter and adjust the same radially. inward to cause its inner end to engage the spindle l9 and pivot the same about the pin 20 and engage the bead forming portion 22 of the beading tool element 2| into engagement with the internal wall surfaces of the inserted tube 6, the said member 24 being adjusted radially inward to such an extent that the bead forming portion 22 of the beading tool 2| is urged against the internal wall surface of the inserted the inner end of the actuating member I0 there tube under substantial pressure.

With the tube inserted and the device prepared for a bead forming portion as just described, the hand grip portion 3 of the body member 1 may be grasped and held against rotation by one hand of the operator who may then use his other hand to grasp the projecting handle portion and crosspin H of the actuating member to manually rotate said actuating member l8 relative to the body member thereby rotationally actuating the spindle Hi to cause the bead forming portion 22 of the tool 2| to circumferentially traverse the internal surface of the tube 6 and displace the metal thereof outwardly into the circumferential channel formed by the grooves 9 in the selected die members 5 so that there is formed in the tube a circumferential head 26 which conforms to the cross-sectional size and configuration of said channel and the bead forming portion 22 of the beading tool 2|. Upon completion of the bead forming operation, the member 24 is withdrawn from engagement with the spindle l9 to thereby release the pressure urging the beading tool 2| into engagement with the internal wall surface of the inserted tube 6. The die members 5, together with the beaded tube 6, may then be Withdrawn axially from the body member I after which the complementary die members '5 may be anemone separated and removed from the beaded tube 8 as shown in Fig. 3 f the drawing.

From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that the presentinvention provides a novel tool or device for forming beads in tubing which may be substantially universally employed b a single person to effectively form beads in tubing of different sizes without limitation as to the particular length, shape or configurationof the tubing. Theinvention also provides a novel tool or device for forming beads in tubing which is of relatively simplified and' compact construction and therefore available for use in small, closely confined areas with'the result that it may be. employed to form beads in tubing already'installed in apparatus or equipment Without the necessity of first removing such tubing. Fun thermore, the invention provides a novel tool having the features and characteristics set: forth and which is comparatively inexpensive to manufacture and highly efiicient in operation-and iuse.

While a particular embodiment of the present invention is illustrated and described herein, it is not intended to limit the invention to such disclosure, and changes and modifications may be made therein and thereto within the scope of the claims The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States of' America for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor.

I'claim:

1. A tube beading tool comprising a tubular body member, complementary die members removably positioned inwardly of one end of said body member and cooperating to define a socket therein disposed coaxially with respect to said body member to receive the end portion of a tube to be beaded; said die members each having a groove of arcuate cross-section shape in its inner surface cooperableto form a continuous circumferential channel in the Wall of the socket defined thereby, an actuating member having a portion thereof mounted within the other end of the tubular body member and arranged for rotation coaxially with respect to said body member and-tube receivingsocket defined by said die members, a beading tool actuable by rotation of saidxactuating member arranged forrolling engagement circumierentially about the inner wall surface of a'tube positioned in said socket, and means to position and maintain the beading tool in. an angular position and in engagement against the internal wall surface of a tube posi tioned in said socket.

2 A tube. beading tool comprisingatubular body member, complementary die members removably positioned inwardly of one end of said body. membera-nd cooperating to define a socket therein disposed coaxially with respect to said body member toreceive the end portion of a tube to be beaded, said die members each having a groove of arcuate cross-section shape in its inner surface cooperable to form a continuouscircumferential channel in the wall of the socket defined thereby, an actuating member having-a portion thereof mounted within the other end of the tubular body member and arranged for rotation; coaxially with'respect to said body member and tube receiving socket defined .by said die members, beading toolractuable by. rotation of said-sactuating 7 member arranged for rollingi engagement circumferentially about theinner Wall surface of av tube positioned inisaid sockeumeans to' position and maintain the beading toolin an angular position and inengagement against the internal wall surface of-- a tube positioned in said socket, and meansto-rotatesaid actuating men ber relative to' thebody member and cause'the beading tool tocircumferentially traverse the internal surfac'e of the tube-and displace the metal thereof outwardly into'= the circumferential channel of said diemembers.

3. tube beading toolcomprising a tubular body member; complementary die members removably positioned inwardly of one end of said body member and' cooperating to define a socket therein disposed" coaxially with respect to: said body member tore'ceivetheend portion ofa tube to be headed, said die" members eachhaving a groove of arcuate cross-section shape in its inner surface ccoperable' to form a continuous circumferential channel inthe wall of the socket defined thereby, an actuating member having a portion thereof mounted within the other end of the tubular body member and arranged for rotaticncoaxiallywith-respect tosaid body member and} tube receiving socket defined by said die members, a; spindlepivotally carried by said ac tuating member for movement about an axis normal to the'rotational axis thereof, a beading tool element swingably carried by said; spindle and arranged for rolling engagement circumferentially aboutthe inner wall surface of a-tube positioned in said socket, and means carried by said actuating member toposition the spindle angularly and engageth'e beading tool element againstthe internal wall surface of atubefposi tioned in said socket.

4. A tube beading tool comprising a tubular body member; complementary die members re"- movably positionedinwardly of one end 0f said body member and cooperating to definea socket therein dis-posed coaxially' with respect to said body member to" receive: the end portion of a tube to be beaded,- saithdi'e' members'each having a groove of'arcuate cross-section shape initsinnersurfac'e coopera'b'le to form a continuous circumferentia1-' channel in the' wall of" thesocket definedthereby, an actuating: member having" a portion thereofmounted within' the other end of the tubular body member and arranged for rotation coaxially with'respect t'o-said 'body' niem her and tube receiving socket defined by said die members;- a spindle "pivotally' carried by the actuating member f'o'rmovement about an axis normal tothe rotational axis of said actuating rnen'iber and'pr'ojecting" into the tube receiving socket of said die members; a beading tool element rotatably carried by said spindle i for rolling engagement circumferentially' about the inner wall surface of atube pbsitioned'insaid socket in registry with the continuous-channel thereof, meansto position the spindle angularly and en'gage the beading tool element against the internal wall surface of a -tubepositiomdin said socket, and-means to rotatei'said actuating 'm'ember relative to the body member and cause the beading tool element to circumferentia-lly' traverse" the i internal surface of l the" tube and "displace the metal thereof outtvardly-into the circumferential channel" of said die members to thereby form in the -tub'e 'a circumferential bead conforming to" the cross-sectional size a'nd -configuration of the said channel and-tool element.

5; A' tube beadin'g :t001 comprising a-tubular body member; complementary die mem'bers' removably positioned'inwardly of one'- end "of 1 said bodyt'member andfcooperatingllto define a socket "7 therein disposed coaxially with respect to said body member to receive the end portion of a tube to be beaded, said die members each having a groove of arcuate cross-section shape in its inner surface cooperable to form a continuous circumferential channel in the wall of the socket defined thereby, an actuating member having a portion thereof mounted within the other end of the tubular body member and arranged for rotation coaxially with respect to said body member and the tube receiving socket defined by said die members, a recess extending axially inward from the inner end face of said actuating member, a spindle having one end thereof pivotally mounted within said recess for movement about an axis normal to the rotational axis of said actuating member and havin its free end projecting endwise outwardly of the recess into the tube receiving socket of said die members, means to position said spindle angularly in said recess, a beading tool element rotatably carried by the free end of said spindle and arranged for rolling engagement circumferentially about the inner wall surface of a tube positioned in said socket in registry with the continuous channel thereof, and means to rotate said actuating member relative to the body memher and cause the beading tool element to circumferentially traverse the internal surface of the tube and displace the metal thereof outwardly into the circumferential channel of said die members to thereby form in the tube a circumferential bead conforming to the cross-sectional size and configuration of the said channel and tool element.

6. A tube beading tool comprising a tubular body member having complementary die members removably positioned inwardly of one end of said body member and cooperatin to define a' socket therein disposed coaxially with respect to said body member to receive the end portion of a tube to be beaded, said die members each having a groove of arcuate cross-section shape in its inner surface cooperable to form a continuous circumferential channel in the wall of the socket defined thereby, an actuating member having a portion thereof mounted within the other end of the tubular body member and arranged for rotation coaxially with respect to said body member and the tube receiving socket defined by said die members, a recess extending axially inward from the inner end face of said actuating member, a spindle having one end thereof pivotally mounted within said recess for movement about an axis normal to the rotational axis of said actuating member and having its free end projecting endwise outwardly of the recess into the tube receiving socket of said die members, a beading tool element rotatably carried by the free end of said spindle and arranged for rolling engagement circumferentially about the inner wall surface of a tube positioned in said socket in registry with the continuous channel thereof, means carried by said actuating member operable to position the spindle in an angular position and engage the beading tool element against the internal wall surface of a tube positioned in said socket, and means to rotate said actuating member relative to the body member and cause the beading tool element to circumferentially traverse the internal surface of the tube and displace the metal thereof outwardly into the circumferential channel in said die members to thereby form in the tube a circumferential bead conforming to the cross-sec- 8 tional' size and configuration of the said channel and tool element.

7. A tube beading tool comprising a tubular body member having an annular flange interiorly thereof intermediate its ends, complementary die members removably positioned inwardly of one end of said body member in abuttin relation with said flange and cooperating to define a socket therein disposed coaxially with respect to said body member to receive the end portion of a tube to be beaded, said die members each having a groove of arcuate cross-section shape in its inner surface cooperable to form a continuous circumferential channel in the wall of the socket defined thereby, an actuating member havin a portion thereof mounted within the other end of the tubular body member in oppositely abutting relation with respect to the internal flange thereof and arranged for rotation coaxially with respect to said body member and tube receiving socket defined by said die members, a beading tool actuable by rotation of said actuating member arranged for rolling engagement circumferentiaily about the inner wall surface of a tube positioned in said socket in registry with the continuous channel thereof, and means to rotate said actuating member relative to the body member and cause the heading tool to circumferentially traverse the internal surface of the tube and displace the metal thereof outwardly into the circumferential channel of said die members to thereby form in the tube a circumferential bead conforming to the crosssectional size and configuration of the said channel and tool element.

8. A tube beading tool comprising a tubular body member having an annular fiange interiorly thereof intermediate its ends, complementary die members removably positioned inwardly of one end of said body member in abutting relation with said flange and cooperating to define a socket therein disposed coaxially with respect to said body member to receive the end portion of a tube to be beaded, said die members each having a groove of arcuate cross-section shape in its inner surface cooperable to form a continuous circumferential channel in the wall of the socket defined thereby, an actuating member having a portion thereof mounted Within the other end of the tubular body member in oppositely abutting relation with respect to the internal flange thereof and arranged for rotation coaxially with respect to said body member and tube receiving socket defined by said die members, a beading tool actuable by rotation of said actuating member arranged for rolling engagement circumferentially about the inner wall surface of a tube positioned in said socket in registry with the continuous channel thereof, means carried by said actuating member adjacent the inner end thereof operable to position and maintain the heading tool in engagement against the internal wall surface of a tube positioned in said socket, and means to rotate said actuating member relative to the body member and cause the beading tool to circumferentially traverse the internal surface of the tube and displace the metal thereof outwardly into the circumferential channel of said die members to thereby form in the tube a circumferential bead conforming to the cross-sectional size and configuration of the said channel and tool element.

9. A tube beading tool comprising a tubular body member having an annular flange interiorly thereof intermediate its ends, complementary die members removably positioned inwardly of one end of said body member in abutting relation with said flange and cooperating to define a socket therein disposed coaxially with respect to said body member to receive the end portion of a tube to be beaded, said die members each having a groove of arcuate cross-section shape in its inner surfac cooperable to form a continuous circumferential channel in the wall of the socket defined thereby, an actuating member having a. portion thereof mounted within the other end of the tubular body member in oppositely abutting relation with respect to the internal flange thereof and arranged for rotation coaxially with respect to said body member and the tube receiving socket defined by said die members, a recess extending axially inward from the inner end face of said actuating member, a spindle having one end thereof pivotally mounted within said recess for movement about an axis normal to the rotational axis of said actuating member and having its free end projecting endwise outwardly of the recess into the tube receiving socket of said die members, a

beading tool element rotatably carried by the free end of said spindle for rollin engagement circumferentially about the inner Wall surface of a tube positioned in said socket in registry with the continuous channel thereof, means carried by said actuating member adjacent its inner end and adjustable radially thereof to angularly position the REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,419,929 Jackson June 20, 1922 2,377,406 Dedrick June 5, 1945 2,100,939 Brenner Nov. 30, 1937 2,405,399 Bugg et a1 Aug. 6, 1946 766,227 Doolittle Aug. 2, 1904 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 543,506 Great Britain Feb, 27, 1942 

